Three-way battle for second spot in ICC Test team rankings

Dubai: The Indian team is still in contention for the second spot in the ICC Test rankings after defeating Australia in the third Test to take a 3-0 lead in the four-match series.

India, along with Australia and England, still have a chance to finish behind South Africa on the Test table at the April 1 cut-off date and grab a prize purse of USD 350,000.

The battle for second place is heading for a close finish as number two England were held to a draw by New Zealand in Wellington leaving the series locked at 0-0.

While, in Mohali, fourth-placed India defeated Australia, who are ranked a place above, by seven wickets to take a 3-0 lead in the series.

With the Test Championship table to be updated only after the conclusion of the series, the three sides are separated by 13 ratings points with the final Tests in New Zealand and India scheduled to conclude on March 26.

India have already been assured of the number one spot in the ODI table and will receive the Shield as well as a cheque of USD 175,000 for finishing on top, the ICC said in a statement.